Skip to main content
to tackle

to tackle

238 3.4
To try to deal with a difficult problem or task
  • verb
  • /ˈtækəl/
: abordar
  • She decided to tackle her procrastination by setting strict deadlines for herself.
  • tackle problems
  • tackle issues
  • tackle challenges

And so that's one core part of what we tackled in the RCN model.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • How have you seen successful people tackle problem solving and decision making?

  • I know that we have what it takes to tackle those challenges.

  • So she would just kind of tackle those bit by bit.

  • Finally, George only had one fear left to tackle at the end.

  • Leave some things alone and tackle the things that need the most attention.

  • How do we tackle this?

  • Let's tackle this right now.

  • Researchers also frequently work in teams to tackle complex research questions.

    Academic text (2017)
  • In some respects, the territory is better prepared to tackle these problems than many countries are.

    Academic text (1990)
  • We need to understand and tackle age stereotypes to manage an older workforce successfully.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

to struggle
vsto tackle
∞ 2.8

To try very hard to do or deal with something difficult

is specifically about tackling a difficult task with clear determination
to take on
vsto tackle
577 2.8

To agree to do a job or task

involves actually exerting determined effort to deal with the task itself
to approach
vsto tackle
222 2.6

To begin to deal with a problem or task

implies sustained determined effort to solve the problem rather than just starting
to wrestle with
vsto tackle
71 4.6

Try hard to deal with a difficult problem

is a determined, planned effort to deal with the same difficulty
to grapple
vsto tackle
62 4.2

To try hard to deal with a difficult problem

focuses on determined action to solve the problem rather than understanding
to grapple with
vsto tackle
58 6.1

To try hard to deal with a difficult problem or situation

focuses on determined action to solve the problem rather than understanding
to face a challenge
vsto tackle
23 3.9

Deal with a difficult problem or situation

adds stronger determination and effort to mere confrontation of difficulty
6 3.2

To accept a difficult task to test yourself

implies actively working to solve the task rather than only accepting it
to bear down
vsto tackle
4 5.4

Use all your effort and focus on something difficult

means making a determined effort but with broader action not only focus
to grasp the nettle
vsto tackle
  • Informal
1 8.2

Face a difficult problem directly and act firmly

is about sustained, organised effort to address the problem rather than boldness
to take the challenge head-on
vsto tackle
  • Informal
1 3.9

To face a difficult problem directly and work hard to solve it

stresses making a sustained effort to handle the task rather than just directness
7.0

To face a problem directly and try to solve it

is similar but emphasises steady effort to manage the problem over boldness

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To stay away from something or not do it to stop something bad from happening

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

Phrasal Verbs

To try hard to solve a problem

To take action to solve a money problem in a company or government

Compounds

Tools used for catching fish, like lines and hooks

block and tackle
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A set of pulleys and ropes used to lift heavy objects

wedding tackle
  • Offensive
1 9.9

A humorous British phrase for a man's private parts or the groom's clothes

ground tackle
  • Specialized
1 9.1

The anchor, cables, and other equipment that keep a boat in place

A person's special laugh that makes other people smile

How Determined

to resolve
532 3.3
to confront
285 4.4
to tackle
238 3.4
to address
∞ 3.6
to try
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

tackle infinitive
tackled past
tackled past participle
tackling present participle
tackles third person singular

Etymology

Tackle meaning 'to try to deal with a problem' grew from the idea of handling 'equipment' or 'gear' and then handling a job, so to tackle a problem is to begin to work on it with effort.